Political Science Librarian
Database Recommendations
In your groups, evaluate your assigned database using the Database Recommendations Worksheet.
- GreenFILE This link opens in a new windowContains citations and some full-text of articles on global warming, energy conservation, natural resources, and pollution. Includes scholarly journals and popular magazines, going back to around 1975.
- PAIS Index This link opens in a new windowThis resource covers issues in the public debate through selective coverage of a wide variety of international sources including journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories, grey literature, research reports, conference papers, web content, and more. PAIS International is the current file covering 1972 to present, and PAIS Archive includes the content from printed volumes published 1915-1976.
- Policy File Index This link opens in a new windowPolicy File Index is a unique resource for U.S. public policy research. Users are able to access timely, updated information from over 350 public policy think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, research institutes, university centers, advocacy groups, and other entities from 1990 to the present.
- Worldwide Political Science Abstracts This link opens in a new windowIndexes and abstracts journal articles in political science and its complementary fields, including international relations, law, and public administration / policy. Covers 1975 to the present. Updated monthly.
- Climate Policy DatabaseCovers national mitigation-related policies for 198 countries adopted before the end of 2023.
1. In your first group (e.g. Red 1, Yellow 2, etc.), answer the questions on the Google Doc:
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Look at the description of your database. What dates does this database cover? What topics are covered?
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Run a search for “carbon tax” in your database. Which types of information (scholarly articles, reports, trade journals, etc.) are available?
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Skim through the titles of the results. Do they seem relevant to what you searched for? How many results does your search have?
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What type of information (background information, statistics/data, analysis, etc.) are the sources in this database likely to provide?
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Find a resource on the South African carbon tax. Play around with any filters to narrow down your results. Which database features (beyond just the search bar) did you find most helpful in your search? Be specific!
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On a scale of 1-5, how likely are you to recommend this resource to a friend? What do you like/dislike about it?
2. In your second group (e.g. 1-8), teach your group mates all about your database!
- Walk them through the answers to the questions, and refer to the database to back up your answers. As a group, try to come to a consensus about the best databases for 1) background information, 2) reports, and 3) scholarly articles. Be ready to share your picks with the rest of the class!
Have a Question?
There are three ways to get in touch with me:
- Email me at csparkman@geneseo.edu
- Schedule an appointment during my office hours
- Submit a question via the Ask Max! form
